Can LiFePO4 Batteries be Mounted on Their Side?

29 Apr.,2024

 

Can LiFePO4 Batteries be Mounted on Their Side?

Proper installation and mounting are crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of LiFePO4 batteries. While the most common orientation for mounting LiFePO4 batteries is vertical, many of us might have wondered if it's possible to mount them on their side. Let’s solve the mystery together.

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What are LiFePO4 Batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries, abbreviated as LiFePO4 batteries, are a type of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These utilize lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material and have more advanced features compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. LiFePO4 batteries are renowned for their high energy density, long cycle life, and excellent thermal stability and are considered an ideal choice for several applications.

Mounting Orientations for LiFePO4 batteries

Vertical Mounting

Vertical mounting is the most commonly recommended orientation for LiFePO4 batteries. This positioning ensures the proper functioning of the battery cells, allowing for efficient operation and charging. It also minimizes the risk of short circuits and helps maintain the structural integrity of the battery.

Horizontal Mounting

LiFePO4 batteries can also be mounted horizontally, provided certain precautions are taken. You must ensure that the battery is securely fixed in place to prevent movement or accidental tipping. Adequate support and insulation should be provided to maintain electrical connections and protect against potential damage caused by vibrations or shocks.

Side Mounting

LiFePO4 batteries can also be mounted on the side, given that the battery is properly supported and secured in place. Side mounting is not mostly recommended and you should consider the manufacturers’ instructions before mounting the LiFePO4 battery on the side.

Can LiFePO4 Batteries be Mounted on Their Side?

Yes, but certain factors should be taken into account before mounting the LiFePO4 battery on the side. For instance;

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Thermal Management

Ensure proper heat dissipation for LiFePO4 batteries for optimal performance and prevent overheating. Depending on the mounting orientation, the effectiveness of thermal management techniques may vary.

Battery Management System

The battery management system (BMS) plays a vital role in monitoring and controlling the performance of LiFePO4 batteries. The BMS should be designed to accommodate the specific mounting orientation and provide accurate readings and protection features accordingly.

Mechanical Stability

The mechanical stability of the battery is of utmost importance, regardless of the mounting orientation. Securely fastening the battery and ensuring it is protected from any external forces or vibrations is essential. In the case of side mounting, extra care should be taken to prevent any potential damage caused by tipping or movement.

Manufacturer Guidelines

To ensure the safe and reliable operation of LiFePO4 batteries, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations regarding mounting orientation. Manufacturers have extensive knowledge of their battery products and provide specific instructions for installation, including acceptable mounting positions. Deviating from these guidelines may compromise the performance, safety, and warranty of the battery.

Conclusion

LiFePO4 batteries can have several mounting positions. While these batteries are commonly mounted vertically, horizontal and side mounting orientations can also be considered under certain circumstances. However, it is essential to carefully assess the specific requirements of the application and consult the manufacturer's guidelines. Factors such as thermal management, battery management system compatibility, and mechanical stability should be taken into account to ensure optimal battery performance and longevity.

Lifepo4 on its side



Yes, I understand that weight might be a problem, if stacked too high.

For heat dissipation, I don't see how that can be an issue.
A cell in the middle of a 48v or 96v bank have only its top and bottom to release heat (if any)

For that it doesn't matter placed direction.
In fact, on its side the top and bottom are "free" and can do more heat dissipation.

Fibrations??
God! I hope not for solar storage system!! Earthquake could make the connections go lose, but more likely crash the house on top of it

Liquid?
I don't see how that can be a problem.
The separator "paper" (by lack of knowing better English word for it)
Is "soaked", after this, the liquid does not move.



Other website show the lifepo4 have plates, like lead acid and low liquid level.

I guess I need to find a YouTube to find a video on cut in half lifepo4

Yes, there is

After some googling..

Our Lifepo4 have the same type of pouches inside.
Together they make the capacity.
It is not one big pouch, but more then one.

Nissan leave appear to have cells on its side, but I don't know if those are lifepo4.

It makes sense to have the cells up straight, or on the short side.
Long side should also not be a problem.
The cells are vacuum.
In a vacuum without air bubbles, the liquid stay in the same location, especially if it can not deform!

For "upsidedown"..
I read that this could prevent the safety vent from opening.

Sadly I was not able to find a person who made video of "our" type of cells.

Reason for asking is clear, I like to put them on their side for space issues.

I still have the 16* 200Ah in my battery room, and planning to keep them there for atleast 3 months.

I'm building 16 de-sulfator, (based on the 555 timer)
For the 200ah it will take 6 to 10 weeks for de-sulphation.

Sadly I'm not even sure if that is the real problem.. as it wasn't age or lack of water but too high voltage that killed them.

Anyways, it won't hurt either.
And after 3 months they are as fully charged as possible.

After this, do tests and maybe I can use them as additional backup storage.
Normally it wouldn't have to cycle at all.
Only during the long rainy season the sun might not be enough to fully recharge the lifepo4.

As long as they are there, space is limited.

For first temporary setup they co sideways.
Later I might make raised floor and put them under

(With enough air vents)

That even would make it possible to have the cells 1 mm separated from eachother, provide maximum cooling.

With 0.3C max charging and 0.1 discharge..
There should not be a lot of heat.
Still.... If the place is there to do, then why wouldn't I?

Thank you all for replying.Yes, I understand that weight might be a problem, if stacked too high.For heat dissipation, I don't see how that can be an issue.A cell in the middle of a 48v or 96v bank have only its top and bottom to release heat (if any)For that it doesn't matter placed direction.In fact, on its side the top and bottom are "free" and can do more heat dissipation.Fibrations??God! I hope not for solar storage system!! Earthquake could make the connections go lose, but more likely crash the house on top of itLiquid?I don't see how that can be a problem.The separator "paper" (by lack of knowing better English word for it)Is "soaked", after this, the liquid does not move. Battleborn doesn't make it a problemOther website show the lifepo4 have plates, like lead acid and low liquid level.I guess I need to find a YouTube to find a video on cut in half lifepo4Yes, there is This amazing video! After some googling..Our Lifepo4 have the same type of pouches inside.Together they make the capacity.It is not one big pouch, but more then one.Nissan leave appear to have cells on its side, but I don't know if those are lifepo4.It makes sense to have the cells up straight, or on the short side.Long side should also not be a problem.The cells are vacuum.In a vacuum without air bubbles, the liquid stay in the same location, especially if it can not deform!For "upsidedown"..I read that this could prevent the safety vent from opening.Sadly I was not able to find a person who made video of "our" type of cells.Reason for asking is clear, I like to put them on their side for space issues.I still have the 16* 200Ah in my battery room, and planning to keep them there for atleast 3 months.I'm building 16 de-sulfator, (based on the 555 timer)For the 200ah it will take 6 to 10 weeks for de-sulphation.Sadly I'm not even sure if that is the real problem.. as it wasn't age or lack of water but too high voltage that killed them.Anyways, it won't hurt either.And after 3 months they are as fully charged as possible.After this, do tests and maybe I can use them as additional backup storage.Normally it wouldn't have to cycle at all.Only during the long rainy season the sun might not be enough to fully recharge the lifepo4.As long as they are there, space is limited.For first temporary setup they co sideways.Later I might make raised floor and put them under(With enough air vents)That even would make it possible to have the cells 1 mm separated from eachother, provide maximum cooling.With 0.3C max charging and 0.1 discharge..There should not be a lot of heat.Still.... If the place is there to do, then why wouldn't I?

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